Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, weeds are often used metaphorically to represent sin, evil, or the challenges that believers face in a fallen world. The imagery of weeds is prevalent in both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a powerful symbol of the spiritual and moral struggles inherent in human life.Old Testament References The concept of weeds appears early in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the curse following the Fall of Man. In Genesis 3:17-18 , God tells Adam, "Cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field." Here, thorns and thistles, akin to weeds, symbolize the consequences of sin and the resulting hardship in cultivating the earth. Weeds also appear in the wisdom literature, where they are used to illustrate the consequences of laziness and neglect. Proverbs 24:30-31 states, "I went past the field of a sluggard and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down." This passage uses the imagery of an overgrown field to convey the spiritual and practical decay that results from a lack of diligence. New Testament References In the New Testament, Jesus frequently uses agricultural metaphors, including weeds, to teach spiritual truths. One of the most notable parables is the Parable of the Weeds, found in Matthew 13:24-30 . In this parable, Jesus describes a farmer who sows good seed in his field, but while everyone is sleeping, an enemy sows weeds among the wheat. When the plants sprout, the weeds also appear. The farmer instructs his servants to let both grow together until the harvest, at which time the weeds will be collected and burned. This parable is explained by Jesus in Matthew 13:36-43 , where He identifies the field as the world, the good seed as the sons of the kingdom, and the weeds as the sons of the evil one. The enemy who sows the weeds is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age. This teaching emphasizes the coexistence of good and evil in the world and the ultimate judgment that will separate the righteous from the wicked. Theological Implications Weeds, as depicted in the Bible, serve as a reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the spiritual vigilance required of believers. They illustrate the reality of spiritual warfare and the presence of evil influences that seek to undermine the growth of God's kingdom. The imagery of weeds also underscores the importance of discernment and perseverance in the Christian life, as believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith amidst the challenges and temptations of the world. In summary, the biblical portrayal of weeds is rich with spiritual significance, offering insights into the nature of sin, the reality of spiritual conflict, and the hope of ultimate redemption and purification at the end of the age. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia WEEDSwedz (cuph, "a weed" (Jonah 2:5)). Greek 4846. sumpnigo -- to choke ... Verb Transliteration: sumpnigo Phonetic Spelling: (soom-pnee'-go) Short Definition: I choke utterly, crowd upon Definition: I choke utterly, as weeds do plants ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4846.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 890. boshah -- stinking or noxious weeds... 889, 890. boshah. 891 . stinking or noxious weeds. Transliteration: boshah Phonetic Spelling: (bosh-aw') Short Definition: stinkweed. Word Origin fem. ... /hebrew/890.htm - 6k 6941. qedorannith -- as mourners 7057. qimmos -- perhaps thistles 7898. shayith -- thornbushes 5488. suph -- reeds, rushes 7219. rosh -- (bitter and poisonous herb) venom Library Absolution. Of True Fasting and Its Reward: Also of Purity of Body. Ignorance of the Seed Makes no Difference. The Sluggard's Garden A Letter from a West Indian Cottage Ornee The Religion of Man Warning. Asa God's Curse on Sin. Sowing the Seed. Thesaurus Weeds (14 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia WEEDS. wedz (cuph, "a weed" (Jonah 2:5)). See FLAG; COCKLE; RED SEA. Multi-Version Concordance Weeds (14 Occurrences). ... /w/weeds.htm - 10k Darnel (9 Occurrences) Weed (3 Occurrences) Cockle (1 Occurrence) Wheat (56 Occurrences) Fallow-ground Fallowground Flag (30 Occurrences) Fallow (5 Occurrences) Field (390 Occurrences) Resources What is the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? | GotQuestions.org If our salvation is eternally secure, why does the Bible warn so strongly against apostasy? | GotQuestions.org Weeds: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Weeds (14 Occurrences)Matthew 13:25 Matthew 13:26 Matthew 13:27 Matthew 13:29 Matthew 13:30 Matthew 13:36 Matthew 13:38 Matthew 13:40 Exodus 2:5 Job 31:40 Proverbs 24:31 Hosea 10:4 Jonah 2:5 Zephaniah 2:9 Subtopics Related Terms |